Link plates for bicycle chain

ABSTRACT

A link plate for a bicycle chain is basically provided with a first link end portion, a second link end portion and a link intermediate portion interconnecting the first link end portion and the second link end portion. The first link end portion includes a first link opening having a first link center axis. The second link end portion includes a second link opening having a second link center axis parallel to the first link center axis. The link plate has a link longitudinal centerline defining a longitudinal direction. The first link end portion has a first extended edge portion extending away from the second link end portion in the longitudinal direction or the link intermediate portion has an axial protrusion protruding from an inner surface thereof in the axial direction.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a link plate for a bicycle chain.

Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One component that has been recently redesigned is the bicyclechain.

Most bicycles have a drive train that uses a bicycle chain to transmitthe pedaling action from the rider to the rear wheel. The bicycle chainhas a plurality of inner links and a plurality of outer links that areinterconnected in an alternating manner by a plurality of pins.Typically, each of the inner links includes a pair of inner plates. Eachof the outer links includes a pair of outer plates.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of alink plate for a bicycle chain.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with afirst aspect of the present disclosure, an inner link plate for abicycle chain is basically provided that includes a first inner-link endportion, a second inner-link end portion and an inner-link intermediateportion interconnecting the first inner-link end portion and the secondinner-link end portion. The first inner-link end portion includes afirst inner-link opening having a first inner-link center axis. Thesecond inner-link end portion includes a second inner-link openinghaving a second inner-link center axis parallel to the first inner-linkcenter axis. The inner link plate has an inner-link longitudinalcenterline defining a longitudinal direction that bisects the inner linkplate into a first half and a second half. The first inner-link endportion has a first extended edge portion extending away from the secondinner-link end portion in the longitudinal direction. A majority of thefirst extended edge portion is disposed on one of the first half and thesecond half.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the first aspect is configured so that the firstextended edge portion is offset from the inner-link longitudinalcenterline.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the linkplate for a bicycle chain according to the first or second aspect isconfigured so that the first extended edge portion defines a projectionthat is at least partially spaced away from the inner-link longitudinalcenterline.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the third aspect is configured so that theprojection is integrally formed with the first inner-link end portion,the second inner-link end portion and the inner-link intermediateportion as a single unitary member.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the third aspect is configured so that theprojection is a separate member from the first inner-link end portion.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the fifth aspect is configured so that theprojection includes a metallic material.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the fifth aspect is configured so that theprojection includes a non-metallic material.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to any one of the first to seventh aspects isconfigured so that a majority of the first extended edge portion isdisposed mostly on one side of a tangent line that is tangent to thefirst inner-link opening and the second inner-link opening and that isopposite to the other side of the tangent line that is defined betweenthe inner-link longitudinal centerline and the tangent line.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to any one of the first to eighth aspects isconfigured so that the second inner-link end portion has a secondextended edge portion extending away from the first inner-link endportion in the longitudinal direction, and a majority of the secondextended edge portion being disposed on the one of the first half andthe second half.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the innerlink plate according to the ninth aspect is configured so that the firstextended edge portion defines a first projection that is spaced awayfrom the inner-link longitudinal centerline, and the second extendededge portion defines a second projection that is spaced away from theinner-link longitudinal centerline.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, theinner link according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the firstand second projections are integrally formed with the first inner-linkend portion, the second inner-link end portion and the inner-linkintermediate portion as a single unitary member.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an outerlink plate for a bicycle chain is provided that basically comprises afirst outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion and anouter-link intermediate portion interconnecting the first outer-link endportion and the second outer-link end portion. The outer link plate hasan outer-link longitudinal centerline. The first outer-link end portionincludes a first outer-link opening having a first outer-link centeraxis. The second outer-link end portion includes a second outer-linkopening having a second outer-link center axis parallel to the firstouter-link center axis. The outer-link intermediate portion having anouter-link outer surface and an outer-link inner surface that isopposite to the outer-link outer surface in an axial direction parallelto the first outer-link center axis. The outer-link intermediate portionincludes an axial protrusion protruding from the outer-link innersurface in the axial direction. The axial protrusion is offset from theouter-link longitudinal centerline.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to the twelfth aspect is configured so thatthe axial protrusion is spaced away from the outer-link longitudinalcenterline.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to the twelfth aspect is configured so thatthe axial protrusion is integrally formed with the first outer-link endportion, the second outer-link end portion and the outer-linkintermediate portion as a single unitary member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to the twelfth aspect is configured so thatthe axial protrusion is a separate member from the outer-linkintermediate portion.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to the fifteenth aspect is configured so thatthe axial protrusion includes a metallic material.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to the fifteenth aspect is configured so thatthe axial protrusion includes a non-metallic material.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to any one of the twelfth to seventeenthaspects is configured so that a majority of the axial protrusion isdisposed mostly on one side of a tangent line that is tangent to thefirst outer-link opening and the second outer-link opening and that isopposite to the other side of the tangent line that is defined betweenthe outer-link longitudinal centerline and the tangent line.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, theouter link plate according to any one of the twelfth to seventeenthaspects is configured so that the axial protrusion includes an axial endsurface that is offset from the outer-link inner surface in the axialdirection, and an inclined surface that is inclined relative to theaxial end surface towards the outer-link longitudinal centerline.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, abicycle chain link is provided that basically comprises a primary innerlink plate and a secondary inner link plate. The primary inner linkplate has a primary inner-link longitudinal centerline defining aprimary longitudinal direction. The primary inner link plate comprises afirst inner-link end portion, a second inner-link end portion and aprimary inner-link intermediate portion interconnecting the firstinner-link end portion and the second inner-link end portion. The firstinner-link end portion includes a first inner-link opening having afirst inner-link center axis. The second inner-link end portion includesa second inner-link opening having a second inner-link center axisparallel to the first inner-link center axis. The primary inner-linklongitudinal centerline bisects the primary inner link plate into afirst half and a second half. The first inner-link end portion has afirst extended edge portion extending away from the second inner-linkend portion in the primary longitudinal direction. A majority of thefirst extended edge portion is disposed on one of the first half and thesecond half. The secondary inner link plate has a secondary inner-linklongitudinal centerline defining a secondary longitudinal direction. Thesecondary inner link plate comprises a third inner-link end portion, afourth inner-link end portion and a secondary inner-link intermediateportion interconnecting the third inner-link end portion and the fourthinner-link end portion. The third inner-link end portion includes athird inner-link opening having a third inner-link center axis. A fourthinner-link end portion includes a fourth inner-link opening having afourth inner-link center axis parallel to the third inner-link centeraxis.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain link according to the twentieth aspect is configured sothat the secondary inner-link longitudinal centerline bisects thesecondary inner link plate into a first half and a second half. Thethird inner-link end portion has a third extended edge portion extendingaway from the fourth inner-link end portion in the secondarylongitudinal direction, and a majority of the third extended edgeportion is disposed on one of the first half and the second half of thesecondary inner link plate.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain link according to the twentieth or twenty-first aspect isconfigured so that the third inner-link end portion is free of anextended edge portion extending away from the fourth inner-link endportion in the secondary longitudinal direction.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, abicycle chain link is provided that basically comprises a primary outerlink plate and a secondary outer link plate. The primary outer linkplate has a primary outer-link longitudinal centerline. The primaryouter link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a secondouter-link end portion and a primary outer-link intermediate portioninterconnecting the first outer-link end portion and the secondouter-link end portion. The first outer-link end portion includes afirst outer-link opening having a first outer-link center axis. Thesecond outer-link end portion includes a second outer-link openinghaving a second outer-link center axis parallel to the first outer-linkcenter axis. The primary outer-link intermediate portion has a primaryouter-link outer surface and a primary outer-link inner surface that isopposite to the primary outer-link outer surface in an axial directionparallel to the first outer-link center axis. The primary outer-linkintermediate portion includes a primary axial protrusion protruding fromthe primary outer-link inner surface in the axial direction. The primaryaxial protrusion is offset from the primary outer-link longitudinalcenterline. The secondary outer link plate has a secondary outer-linklongitudinal centerline. The secondary outer link plate comprises athird outer-link end portion, a fourth outer-link end portion and asecondary outer-link intermediate portion interconnecting the thirdouter-link end portion and the fourth outer-link end portion. The thirdouter-link end portion includes a third outer-link opening having athird outer-link center axis. A fourth outer-link end portion includes afourth inner-link opening having a fourth outer-link center axisparallel to the third inner-link center axis. The secondary outer-linkintermediate portion has a secondary outer-link outer surface and asecondary outer-link inner surface that is opposite to the secondaryouter-link outer surface in an axial direction parallel to the thirdouter-link center axis.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain link according to the twenty-third aspect is configured sothat the secondary outer-link intermediate portion includes a secondaryaxial protrusion protruding from the secondary outer-link inner surfacein the axial direction, and the secondary axial protrusion is offsetfrom the secondary outer-link longitudinal centerline.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain link according to the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspectis configured so that the secondary outer-link intermediate portion isfree of an axial protrusion protruding from the secondary outer-linkinner surface in the axial direction.

Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosedlink plate for a bicycle chain will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description, which, taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodimentsof the link plate for a bicycle chain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle that is equipped with alink plate for a bicycle chain in accordance with a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an outside partial elevational view of the bicycle chainengaging a bicycle rear sprocket;

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle chainillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the bicycle chainillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain taken along line6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an inside perspective view of an inner link plate illustratedin FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an outside perspective view of the inner link plateillustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an outside elevational view of the inner link plateillustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an inside elevational view of the inner link plateillustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the inner link plate illustrated in FIG.7;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial elevational view of the inner link plateengaging a tooth of the bicycle rear sprocket;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial inside elevational view of the inner linkplate illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a bicycle chainin accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in which end portions of both inner link plates of an innerlink of the bicycle chain have extended edge portions;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a bicycle chainin accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present inventionin which an inner link plate of the bicycle chain has an extended edgeportion;

FIG. 16 is an outside partial elevational view of a bicycle chain inaccordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present inventionengaging a bicycle rear sprocket;

FIG. 17 is a partial side elevational view of the bicycle chainillustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG.16;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the bicyclechain illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is an inside perspective view of an outer link plate illustratedin FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an outside elevational view of the outer link plateillustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an inside elevational view of the outer link plateillustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the outer link plate illustrated in FIG.19;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged partial elevational view of the outer link plateillustrated in FIG. 19 engaging a tooth of the bicycle rear sprocket;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain taken along line25-25 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain in accordance witha fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which an axialprotrusion includes a non-metallic material;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain in accordance witha sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which an axialprotrusion is bonded to an outer link plate; and

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain in accordance witha seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which anouter link plate of an outer link of the bicycle chain has an axialprotrusion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Selected exemplary embodiments will now be explained with reference tothe drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle fieldfrom this disclosure that the following descriptions of the exemplaryembodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purposeof limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

Because the various parts of a bicycle are well known in the bicycleart, these parts of the bicycle will not be discussed or illustrated indetail herein, except as they are modified in accordance with theexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle rear sprocket 10includes first to eighth rear sprockets R1 to R8 having differentnumbers of teeth from each other. The first to eighth rear sprockets R1to R8 are rotatable in a direction D relative to a bicycle frame 12about a rotation axis A. The first to eighth rear sprockets R1 to R8 arelined up in an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis A. Thefirst to eighth rear sprockets R1 to R8 are arranged in the axialdirection with respect to a rotational center axis of the rear sprocketsR1 to R8. The first rear sprocket R1 includes the largest number ofteeth in the first to eighth rear sprockets R1 to R8. The eighth rearsprocket R8 includes the smallest number of teeth in the first to eighthrear sprockets R1 to R. The sprockets R1 to R8 can include modifiedteeth, such as teeth having inclined surfaces, and/or recesses tofacilitate downshifting and upshifting operations. It will be apparentto those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that abicycle rear sprocket 10 can have fewer or more sprockets.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a rear derailleur 14 is mounted on the bicycleframe 12 and is configured to guide a bicycle chain 16 from one rearsprocket to another adjacent rear sprocket among the first to eighthrear sprockets R1 to R8. Because the rear derailleur 14 includes wellknown structures, they will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the bicycle chain 16 includes first outerlink plates 18, first inner link plates 20, second outer link plates 22,second inner link plates 24, first link pins 26, second link pins 28,first rollers 30, and second rollers 32. Each opposed pair of the firstouter link plate 18 and the second outer link plate 22 forms an outerlink 34. Each opposed pair of the first inner link plate 20 and thesecond inner link plate 24 forms an inner link 36. The inner links 36are interconnected in an alternating manner with the outer links 34 bythe first link pins 26 and the second link pins 28. A master chain link(not shown) preferably interconnects two pairs of the inner links 36together to form a single continuous loop.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second outer link plates 22 are spacedapart from the first outer link plates 18 in a transverse direction DR1of the bicycle, respectively. The first inner link plates 20 and thesecond inner link plates 24 are provided between the first outer linkplates 18 and the second outer link plates 22 in the transversedirection DR1. More specifically, the first inner link plate 20 isprovided between the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer linkplate 22 in the transverse direction DR1. The second inner link plate 24is provided between the first outer link plate 18 and the second outerlink plate 22 in the transverse direction DR1. The first inner linkplate 20 is provided between the first outer link plate 18 and thesecond inner link plate 24 in the transverse direction DR1. The secondinner link plate 24 is provided between the first inner link plate 20and the second outer link plate 22 in the transverse direction DR1. Thefirst outer link plate 18 and the first inner link plate 20 areconfigured to be positioned closer to the bicycle frame 12 than thesecond outer link plate 22 and the second inner link plate 24respectively in a state where the bicycle chain 12 engages with thebicycle rear sprocket 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the outer links 34 and the inner links 36 arealternately arranged in a chain driving direction DR2. The chain drivingdirection DR2 is defined with respect to the bicycle chain 16 as adirection in which the bicycle chain 16 is driven by the rider'spedaling force to forwardly move the bicycle. The bicycle chain 16 caninclude a mark indicating the chain driving direction DR2. The outerlinks 34 are rotatably coupled to the inner links 36, respectively. Morespecifically, the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer linkplate 22 are rotatably coupled to the first inner link plate 20 and thesecond inner link plate 24 about first rotation axes AC1 by the firstlink pins 26, respectively. The first outer link plate 18 and the secondouter link plate 22 are rotatably coupled to the first inner link plate20 and the second inner link plate 24 about second rotation axes AC2 bythe second link pins 28, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first link pins 26 and the second linkpins 28 are alternately arranged in the chain driving direction DR2. Thefirst rotation axes AC1 and the second rotation axes AC2 are alternatelyarranged in the chain driving direction DR2. The first rotation axes AC1and the second rotation axes AC2 are substantially parallel to thetransverse direction DR1 in a state where the bicycle chain 16 ismounted on the front crankset (not shown) and the bicycle rear sprocket10 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first rollers 30 are provided between thefirst inner link plates 20 and the second inner link plates 24,respectively. The second rollers 32 are provided between the first innerlink plates 20 and the second inner link plates 24, respectively. Thefirst rollers 30 and the second rollers 32 are alternately arranged inthe chain driving direction DR2.

Referring to FIG. 3, each of the first link pins 26 has a cylindricalshape and includes a through-hole extending along the first rotationaxis AC1. Each of the second link pins 28 has a cylindrical shape andincludes a through-hole extending along the second rotation axis AC2.The first rotation axes AC1 are defined as center axes of the first linkpins 26, respectively. The second rotation axes AC2 are defined ascenter axes of the second link pins 28, respectively. While the firstlink pins 26 have substantially the same shape as a shape of the secondlink pins 28, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle fieldthat the first link pins 26 can have a different shape from the shape ofthe second link pins 28. It will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field that the first link pins 26 and the second link pins 28can have a recess at each end instead of the through-hole.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the first rollers 30 is rotatablerelative to the opposed pair of the first inner link plate 20 and thesecond inner link plate 24 about the first rotation axis AC. Each of thesecond rollers 32 is rotatable relative to the opposed pair of the firstinner link plate 20 and the second inner link plate 24 about the secondrotation axis AC2. While the first rollers 30 have substantially thesame shape as a shape of the second rollers 32, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the bicycle field that the first rollers 30 can have adifferent shape from the shape of the second rollers 32.

Referring to FIG. 5, each of the first outer link plates 18 comprises afirst end portion 38, a second end portion 40, and a first intermediateportion 42. The first end portion 38 includes a first opening 38 a (FIG.6) through which one of the first link pins 26 extends. The second endportion 40 includes a second opening 40 a through which one of thesecond link pins 28 extends (FIG. 3). The first intermediate portion 42is provided between the first end portion 38 and the second end portion40. The first intermediate portion 42 interconnects the first endportion 38 and the second end portion 40. The second end portion 40 ispositioned upstream of the first end portion 38 with respect to thechain driving direction DR2 in a state where the bicycle chain 16engages with the bicycle rear sprocket 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The first endportion 38, the second end portion 40, and the first intermediateportion 42 are integrally provided with each other as a one-pieceunitary member. The first outer link plate 18 is made of a hard and/orrigid material, such as a metallic material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first opening 38 a has a firstcenter axis A1, and the second opening 40 a has a second center axis A2.The first center axis A1 is substantially parallel to the first rotationaxis AC1 and substantially coincides with the first rotation axis AC1.The second center axis A2 is substantially parallel to the secondrotation axis AC2 and substantially coincides with the second rotationaxis AC2. The first center axis A1 can be defined by the first rotationaxis AC1. The second center axis A2 can be defined by the secondrotation axis AC2. Accordingly, the second center axis A2 is parallel tothe first center axis A1. While the first opening 38 a and the secondopening 40 a are illustrated as two separate and distinct openings, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field that a singleelongated slot can extend between the first opening 38 a and the secondopening 40 a. Thus, the term “opening” should not be limited to acontinuous circular hole that extends 360 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the first inner link plates 20comprises a third end portion 44, a fourth end portion 46, and a secondintermediate portion 48. The third end portion 44 includes a thirdopening 44 a through which one of the first link pins 26 extends (FIG.3). The fourth end portion 46 includes a fourth opening 46 a throughwhich one of the second link pins 28 extends. The second intermediateportion 48 is provided between the third end portion 44 and the fourthend portion 46. The second intermediate portion 48 interconnects thethird end portion 44 and the fourth end portion 46. The third endportion 44 of the first inner link plate 20 is positioned upstream ofthe fourth end portion 46 of the first inner link plate 20 with respectto the chain driving direction DR2 in a state where the bicycle chain 16engages with the bicycle rear sprocket 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The third endportion 44, the fourth end portion 46, and the second intermediateportion 48 are integrally provided with each other as a one-pieceunitary member. The first inner link plate 20 is made of a hard and/orrigid material, such as a metallic material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the third opening 44 a has a thirdcenter axis A3, and the fourth opening 46 a has a fourth center axis A4.The third center axis A3 is substantially parallel to the first rotationaxis AC1 and substantially coincides with the first rotation axis AC1.The fourth center axis A4 is substantially parallel to the secondrotation axis AC2 and substantially coincides with the second rotationaxis AC2. The third center axis A3 can be defined by the first rotationaxis AC1. The fourth center axis A4 can be defined by the secondrotation axis AC2. The third center axis A3 is parallel to the fourthcenter axis A4. While the third opening 44 a and the fourth opening 46 aare illustrated as two separate and distinct openings, as shown in FIGS.7 and 8, it will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field thata single elongated slot can extend between the third opening 44 a andthe fourth opening 46 a. Thus, the term “opening” should not be limitedto a continuous circular hole that extends 360 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 5, each of the second outer link plates 22 comprises afifth end portion 50, a sixth end portion 52, and a third intermediateportion 54. The fifth end portion 50 includes a fifth opening 50 athrough which one of the first link pins 26 extends. The sixth endportion 52 includes a sixth opening 52 a through which one of the secondlink pins 28 extends. The third intermediate portion 54 is providedbetween the fifth end portion 50 and the sixth end portion 52. The thirdintermediate portion 50 interconnects the fifth end portion 50 and thesixth end portion 52. The sixth end portion 52 is positioned upstream ofthe fifth end portion 50 with respect to the chain driving direction DR2in a state where the bicycle chain 16 engages with the bicycle rearsprocket 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The fifth end portion 50, the sixth endportion 52, and the third intermediate portion 54 are integrallyprovided with each other as a one-piece unitary member. The second outerlink plate 22 is made of a hard and/or rigid material, such as ametallic material.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fifth opening 50 a has a fifth center axisA5, and the sixth opening 52 a has a sixth center axis A6. The fifthcenter axis A5 is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis AC1and substantially coincides with the first rotation axis AC1. The sixthcenter axis A6 is substantially parallel to the second rotation axis AC2and substantially coincides with the second rotation axis AC2. The fifthcenter axis A5 can be defined by the first rotation axis AC1. The sixthcenter axis A6 can be defined by the second rotation axis AC2. The fifthcenter axis A5 is parallel to the sixth center axis A6. While the fifthopening 56 a and the sixth opening 58 a are illustrated as two separateand distinct openings, it will be apparent to those skilled in thebicycle field that a single elongated slot can extend between the fifthopening 56 a and the sixth opening 58 a. Thus, the term “opening” shouldnot be limited to a continuous circular hole that extends 360 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the second inner link plates 24comprises a seventh end portion 56, an eighth end portion 58, and afourth intermediate portion 60. The seventh end portion 56 includes aseventh opening 56 a through which one of the first link pins 26extends. The eighth end portion 58 includes an eighth opening 58 athrough which one of the second link pins 28 extends. The fourthintermediate portion 60 is provided between the seventh end portion 56and the eighth end portion 58. The fourth intermediate portion 60interconnects the seventh end portion 56 and the eighth end portion 58.The seventh end portion 56 is positioned upstream of the eighth endportion 58 with respect to the chain driving direction DR2 in a statewhere the bicycle chain 16 engages with the bicycle rear sprocket 10.The seventh end portion 56, the eighth end portion 58, and the fourthintermediate portion 60 are integrally provided with each other as aone-piece unitary member. The second inner link plate 24 is made of ahard and/or rigid material, such as a metallic material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the seventh opening 56 a has a seventhcenter axis A7, and the eighth opening 58 a has an eighth center axisA8. The seventh center axis A7 is substantially parallel to the firstrotation axis AC1 and substantially coincides with the first rotationaxis AC1. The eighth center axis A8 is substantially parallel to thesecond rotation axis AC2 and substantially coincides with the secondrotation axis AC2. The seventh center axis A7 can be defined by thefirst rotation axis AC1. The eighth center axis A8 can be defined by thesecond rotation axis AC2. The eighth center axis A8 is parallel to theseventh center axis A7. While the seventh opening 56 a and the eighthopening 58 a are illustrated as two separate and distinct openings, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field that a singleelongated slot can extend between the seventh opening 56 a and theeighth opening 58 a. Thus, the term “opening” should not be limited to acontinuous circular hole that extends 360 degrees.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the first link pins 26 isconfigured to extend through the first opening 38 a and the thirdopening 44 a to rotatably couple the first end portion 38 and the thirdend portion 44 about the first rotation axis AC1. Each of the first linkpins 35 is configured to extend through the fifth opening 50 a and theseventh opening 56 a to rotatably couple the fifth end portion 50 andthe seventh end portion 56 about the first rotation axis AC1. In theillustrated embodiment, an inner diameter of the first opening 38 a issmaller than an outer diameter of the first link pin 26, and thereby thefirst link pins 26 are press-fitted in the first openings 38 a,respectively. An inner diameter of the third opening 44 a is greaterthan the outer diameter of the first link pin 26. The first link pin 26extends through the third opening 44 a to allow the first inner linkplate 20 to rotate relative to the first link pin 26 and the first outerlink plate 18. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner diameter of thefifth opening 50 a is smaller than the outer diameter of the first linkpin 26, and thereby the first link pins 26 are press-fitted in the fifthopenings 50 a, respectively. An inner diameter of the seventh opening 56a is greater than the outer diameter of the first link pin 26. The firstlink pin 26 extends through the seventh opening 56 a to allow the secondinner link plate 24 to rotate relative to the first link pin 26 and thesecond outer link plate 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each of the second link pins 28 is configuredto extend through the second opening 40 a and the fourth opening 46 a torotatably couple the second end portion 40 and the fourth end portion 46about the second rotation axis AC2. Each of the second link pins 28 isconfigured extend through the sixth opening 52 a and the eighth opening58 a to rotatably couple the sixth end portion 52 and the eighth endportion 58 about the second rotation axis AC2. In the illustratedembodiment, an inner diameter of the second opening 40 a is smaller thanan outer diameter of the second link pin 28, and thereby the second linkpins 28 are press-fitted in the second openings 40 a, respectively. Aninner diameter of the fourth opening 46 a is greater than the outerdiameter of the second link pin 28. The second link pin 28 extendsthrough the fourth opening 46 a to allow the first inner link plate 20to rotate relative to the second link pin 28 and the first outer linkplate 18. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner diameter of the sixthopening 52 a is smaller than the outer diameter of the second link pin28, and thereby the second link pins 28 are press-fitted in the sixthopenings 52 a, respectively. An inner diameter of the eighth opening 58a is greater than the outer diameter of the second link pin 28. Thesecond link pin 28 extends through the eighth opening 58 a to allow thesecond inner link plate 24 to rotate relative to the second link pin 28and the second outer link plate 22. Since the first link pins 26 and thesecond link pins 28 include well know structures, they will not bedescribed in detail herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the first rollers 30 isprovided between the first inner link plate 20 and the second inner linkplate 24 and rotatably supported by the first inner link plate 20 andthe second inner link plate 24. Each of the first rollers 30 has anannular shape and is configured to engage with the teeth of the bicyclerear sprocket 10. Each of the second rollers 32 is provided between thefirst inner link plate 20 and the second inner link plate 24 androtatably supported by the first inner link plate 20 and the secondinner link plate 24. Each of the second rollers 32 has an annular shapeand is configured to engage with the teeth of the bicycle rear sprocket10. Since the first rollers 30 and the second rollers 32 include wellknow structures, they will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the first inner link plate 20 has alongitudinal centerline LC1 perpendicular to the third and fourth centeraxes A3 and A4. The longitudinal centerline LC1 defines the longitudinaldirection and bisects the first inner link plate 20 into a first half 62and a second half 64. The first half 62 is the portion of the firstinner link plate 20 above the longitudinal centerline in FIGS. 7 to 10.The second half 64 is the portion of the first inner link plate 20 belowthe longitudinal centerline in FIGS. 7 to 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second inner link plate 24 has a secondlongitudinal centerline LC2 perpendicular to the seventh and eighthcenter axes A7 and A8. The second longitudinal centerline LC2 defines asecond longitudinal direction and bisects the second inner link plate 24into a first half and a second half. The first outer link plate 18 has athird longitudinal centerline LC3 perpendicular to the first and secondcenter axes A1 and A2. The third longitudinal centerline LC3 defines athird longitudinal direction and bisects the first outer link plate 18into a first half and a second half. The second outer link plate 22 hasa fourth longitudinal centerline LC4 perpendicular to the fifth andsixth center axes A5 and A6. The fourth longitudinal centerline LC4defines a fourth longitudinal direction and bisects the second outerlink plate 22 into a first half and a second half. The first halves arethe portions of the link plates above the longitudinal centerlines, andthe second halves are the portions of the link plates below thelongitudinal centerline.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 and 7 to 11, the third end portion 44 of thefirst inner link plate 20 has a first extended edge portion 66 extendingaway from the fourth end portion 46 in the longitudinal direction. Amajority of the first extended edge portion 66 is disposed in one of thefirst half 62 and the second half 64 of the first inner link plate 20 asbisected by the first longitudinal centerline LC1. As shown in FIGS. 7to 10, the first extended edge portion 66 is disposed entirely in thefirst half 62 of the first inner link plate 20. The first extended edgeportion 66 is offset from the first longitudinal centerline LC1.

The first extended edge portion 66 defines a first projection 68 that isat least partially spaced away from the first longitudinal centerlineLC1, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. The first projection 68 has asubstantially planar upper surface 70 and a beveled lower surface 72opposite the upper surface 70. The first projection 68 is integrallyformed with the third end portion 44, the fourth end portion 46 and thesecond intermediate portion 48 as a single unitary member.

Alternatively, the first projection 68 is a separate member from thethird end portion 44. When formed as a separate member, the firstprojection 68 includes a metallic material. Alternatively, when formedas a separate member, the first projection 68 includes a non-metallicmaterial. The first projection 68 can be secured to the third endportion in any suitable manner, such as by bonding, when formed as aseparate member from the third end portion 44.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a first tangent line TL1 is tangent to thethird opening 44 a and the fourth opening 46 a. A majority of the firstextended end portion 68 is disposed mostly on one side of the firsttangent line TL1. The side of the first tangent line TL1 on which amajority of the first extended end portion 68 is mostly disposed isopposite to the other side of the first tangent line TL1 that is definedbetween the first longitudinal centerline LC1 and the first tangent lineTL1. Preferably, an entirety of the first extended end portion 68 isdisposed on the side of the first tangent line TL1 that is opposite tothe other side of the first tangent line TL1 on which the firstlongitudinal centerline LC1 is disposed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 and 7 to 11, the fourth end portion 46 of thefirst inner link plate 20 has a second extended edge portion 74extending away from the third end portion 44 in the longitudinaldirection. A majority of the second extended edge portion 74 is disposedin one of the first half 62 and the second half 64 defined by the firstlongitudinal centerline LC1. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the secondextended edge portion 74 is disposed entirely in the first half 62 ofthe first inner link plate 20. The second extended edge portion 74 isoffset from the first longitudinal centerline LC1.

The second extended edge portion 74 defines a second projection 76 thatis at least partially spaced away from the first longitudinal centerlineLC1, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. The second projection 76 has asubstantially planar upper surface 78 and a beveled lower surface 80opposite the upper surface 78. The second projection 76 is integrallyformed with the fourth end portion 46, the third end portion 44 and theintermediate portion 48 as a single unitary member. Preferably, thefirst and second projections 70 and 76 are integrally formed with thethird end portion 44, the fourth end portion 46 and the intermediateportion 48 of the first inner link 20 as a single unitary member.

Alternatively, the second projection 76 is a separate member from thefourth end portion 46. When formed as a separate member, the secondprojection 76 includes a metallic material. Alternatively, when formedas a separate member, the second projection 76 includes a non-metallicmaterial. The second projection 76 can be secured to the fourth endportion in any suitable manner, such as by bonding, when formed as aseparate member from the fourth end portion 46.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a majority of the second extended endportion 74 is disposed mostly on one side of the first tangent line TL1.The side of the first tangent line TL1 on which a majority of the secondextended end portion 74 is mostly disposed is opposite to the other sideof the first tangent line TL1 that is defined between the firstlongitudinal centerline LC1 and the first tangent line LC1. Preferably,an entirety of the second extended end portion 74 is disposed on theside of the first tangent line TL1 that is opposite to the other side ofthe first tangent line TL1 on which the first longitudinal centerlineLC1 is disposed.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a distance between the first and secondouter link plates 18 and 22 in the axial direction is larger than adistance between the first and second inner link plates 20 and 24 in theaxial direction. The first projection 66 and the second projection 74extend into a space between the first and second outer link plates 18and 22, thereby reducing the space between the first and second outerlink plates 18 and 22. Accordingly, the first and second outer linkplates 18 and 22 achieve a better hold on a received tooth 82 As shownin FIG. 12, the extended edge portion 74 of the first inner link plate20 overlaps with a top edge of the tooth 82 (received between theadjacent outer link) when viewed in the axial direction.

Referring to FIG. 13, a centerline EC of the extended edge portion 74 isparallel with the first longitudinal centerline LC1 of the first innerlink plate 20. The extended edge portion centerline EC is offset fromthe first inner link plate longitudinal centerline LC1. The extendededge portion centerline EC and the first inner link plate longitudinalcenterline LC1 are disposed on opposite sides of the first tangent lineTL1.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second inner link plate 24 has the secondlongitudinal centerline LC2 perpendicular to the seventh and eighthcenter axes A7 and A8. The longitudinal centerline LC2 defines thesecond longitudinal direction and bisects the second inner link plate 24into a first half 63 and a second half 65. The first half 63 is theportion of the second inner link plate 24 above the second longitudinalcenterline LC2. The second half 65 is the portion of the second innerlink plate 65 below the second longitudinal centerline LC2.

The second inner link plate 24 includes third and fourth extended endportions 84 and 86, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. Referring to FIGS. 4 and5, the seventh end portion 56 of the second inner link plate 24 has athird extended edge portion 84 extending away from the eighth endportion 58 in the second longitudinal direction. A majority of the thirdextended edge portion 84 is disposed in one of the first half 63 and thesecond half 65 of the second inner link plate 24, as shown in FIG. 5.The third extended edge portion 84 is disposed entirely in the firsthalf 63 of the second inner link plate 24. The third extended edgeportion 84 is offset from the second longitudinal centerline LC2. Thethird extended edge portion 84 is configured substantially similarly asthe first extended edge portion 66 such that further details thereof arenot described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the eighth end portion 58 of the secondinner link plate 24 has a fourth extended edge portion 86 extending awayfrom the seventh end portion 56 in the second longitudinal direction. Amajority of the fourth extended edge portion 86 is disposed in one ofthe first half 63 and the second half 65 defined by the secondlongitudinal centerline LC2. As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth extendededge portion 86 is disposed entirely in the first half 63 of the secondinner link plate 24. The fourth extended edge portion 86 is offset fromthe second longitudinal centerline LC2. The fourth extended edge portion86 is configured substantially similarly as the second extended edgeportion 74 such that further details thereof are not described herein.

As shown in FIG. 14, a bicycle chain 116 in accordance with a secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similarto the bicycle chain 16 of the first exemplary embodiment except for thedifferences described below. Similar parts are identified with similarreference numerals, except in the 100 series (i.e., 1xx). The secondexemplary embodiment is directed to a bicycle chain 116 in which eachinner link plate 120 and 124 of the inner link 136 has only one extendededge portion.

The outer link plates 118 and 122 of the outer links 134 of the bicyclechain 116 in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment aresubstantially similar to the outer link plates 18 and 22 of the outerlinks 34 of the bicycle chain 16 in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment. The inner link plates 120 and 124 of the inner link 136 ofthe bicycle chain 116 include extended edge portions 174 and 186 only atone end of the inner link plates, as shown in FIG. 14. Accordingly, theinner link 136 includes only the second and fourth extended edgeportions 174 and 186 (i.e., the first and third extended edge portions66 and 84 of the first exemplary embodiment are absent in the secondexemplary embodiment). The second extended edge portion 174 extends awayfrom the fourth edge portion 146 of the first inner link plate 120 inthe longitudinal direction away from the third edge portion 144. Thefourth extended edge portion 186 extends from the eighth edge portion158 of the second inner link plate 124 in the longitudinal directionaway from the seventh edge portion 156. The second and fourth extendededge portions 174 and 186 are disposed at downstream ends of the firstand second inner link plates 120 and 124 of the inner links 136.Alternatively, the second and fourth extended edge portions can bedisposed at upstream ends of the first and second inner link plates 120and 124. Alternatively, one extended edge portion is disposed at anupstream end of one inner link plate and the other extended edge portionis disposed at a downstream end of the other inner link plate.

The second and fourth extended edge portions 174 and 186 are configuredsubstantially similarly to the extended edge portions 74 and 86 of thefirst exemplary embodiment. A majority of the second extended edgeportion 174 is disposed in one of the first half and the second halfdefined by the first longitudinal centerline LC1 of the first inner linkplate 120. A majority of the fourth extended edge portion 186 isdisposed in one of the first half and the second half defined by thesecond longitudinal centerline LC2 of the second inner link plate 124.

As shown in FIG. 14, the space between the first and second outer linkplates 118 and 122 in the axial direction is reduced by the second andfourth extended edge portions 174 and 186 extending into the spacebetween the first and second outer link plates 118 and 122. Accordingly,the first and second outer link plates 118 and 122 achieve a better holdon a received tooth 82 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 12).

As shown in FIG. 15, a bicycle chain 216 in accordance with a thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similarto the bicycle chain 16 of the first exemplary embodiment except for thedifferences described below. Similar parts are identified with similarreference numerals, except in the 200 series (i.e., 2xx). The thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bicyclechain 216 in which the inner link 236 has only one extended edgeportion.

The outer link plates 218 and 222 of the outer links 234 of the bicyclechain 216 in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment aresubstantially similar to the outer link plates 18 and 22 of the outerlinks 34 of the bicycle chain 16 in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment. The second inner link plate 224 of the inner link 236 of thebicycle chain 216 includes an extended edge portion 286 only at one endof the inner link plate, as shown in FIG. 15. Accordingly, the innerlink 236 includes only the fourth extended edge portion 286 (i.e., thefirst, second and third extended edge portions 66, 74 and 84 of thefirst exemplary embodiment are absent in the third exemplaryembodiment). The eighth end portion 258 has the fourth extended edgeportion 286 extending away from the seventh end portion 256 in thesecond longitudinal direction. The seventh end portion 256 of the secondinner link plate 224 is free of an extended edge portion extending awayfrom the eighth end portion 258 in the second longitudinal direction.The first inner link plate 220 does not have an extended edge portion,such that the third end portion 244 is free of an extended edge portionextending away from the fourth end portion 246 in the first longitudinaldirection, and the fourth end portion 246 is free of an extended edgeportion extending away from the third end portion 244 in the firstlongitudinal direction. The fourth extended edge portion 286 extendsfrom the eighth edge portion 258 of the second inner link plate 224 inthe longitudinal direction away from the seventh edge portion 256. Thefourth extended edge portion 286 is disposed at a downstream end of thesecond link plate 224 of the inner link 236. Alternatively, the extendededge portion can extend in a longitudinal direction from any of the endportions of either the first or second inner link plate 220 and 224.

The fourth extended edge portion 286 is configured substantiallysimilarly to the fourth extended edge portion 86 of the first exemplaryembodiment. A majority of the fourth extended edge portion 286 isdisposed in one of the first half and the second half defined by thesecond longitudinal centerline LC2 of the second inner link 224.

As shown in FIG. 15, the space between the first and second outer linkplates 218 and 222 in the axial direction is reduced by the fourthextended edge portion 274 extending into the space between the first andsecond outer link plates 218 and 222. Accordingly, the first and secondouter link plates 218 and 222 achieve a better hold on a received tooth82 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 12).

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 25, a bicycle chain 316 in accordance with afourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantiallysimilar to the bicycle chain 16 of the first exemplary embodiment exceptfor the differences described below. Similar parts are identified withsimilar reference numerals, except in the 300 series (i.e., 3xx). Thefourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to abicycle chain 316 in which each outer link plate 318 and 322 of theouter link 334 has an axial protrusion.

The first and second inner link plates 320 and 324 of the fourthexemplary embodiment are substantially similar to the first and secondinner link plates 20 and 24 of the first exemplary embodiment exceptthat the first and second inner link plates 320 and 324 are free ofextending edge portions.

The first and second outer link plates 318 and 322 of the fourthexemplary embodiment are substantially similar to the first and secondouter link plates 18 and 22 of the first exemplary embodiment exceptthat the first outer link plate 318 and the second outer link plate 322include a first axial protrusion 388 and a second axial protrusion 390,respectively, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

The first intermediate portion 342 of the first outer link plate 318 hasan outer surface 342 a and an inner surface 342 b, as shown in FIGS. 18,20 to 22 and 25. The inner surface 342 b is opposite to the outersurface 342 a in an axial direction that is parallel to the first centeraxis A1. The first axial protrusion 388 of the first outer link plate318 protrudes from the inner surface 342 b of the first intermediateportion 342 in the axial direction.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 20 to 22 and 24, the first outer link plate 318has the third longitudinal centerline LC3 perpendicular to the first andsecond center axes A1 and A2. The third longitudinal centerline LC3defines the third longitudinal direction and bisects the first outerlink plate 318 into a first half 362 and a second half 364, as shown inFIG. 21. The first half 362 is the portion of the first outer link plate318 above the third longitudinal centerline LC3, and the second half 364is the portion of the first outer link plate 318 below the thirdlongitudinal centerline LC3. The first axial protrusion 388 is offsetfrom the third longitudinal centerline LC3. The first axial protrusion388 is spaced away from the third longitudinal centerline LC3.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a second tangent line TL2 is tangent tothe first opening 338 a and the second opening 340 a. A majority of thefirst axial protrusion 388 is disposed mostly on one side of the secondtangent line TL2. The side of the second tangent line TL2 on which amajority of the first axial protrusion 388 is mostly disposed isopposite to the other side of the second tangent line TL2 that isdefined between the third longitudinal centerline LC3 and the secondtangent line TL2.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 24, an axial protrusion centerline PC extendsin the third longitudinal direction parallel to the third longitudinalcenterline LC3. The axial protrusion centerline PC is offset from thethird longitudinal centerline LC3.

The first axial protrusion 388 has a substantially planar axial endsurface 392 a, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 25. The axial end surface 392 ais offset from the inner surface 342 b in the axial direction. An uppersurface 392 b is inclined relative to the axial end surface 392 atowards the third longitudinal centerline LC3, as shown in FIGS. 20 and25. Preferably, a lower surface 392 c and side surfaces 392 d and 392 eare inclined relative to the axial end surface 392 a, as shown in FIGS.19, 20, 23 and 25. The first axial protrusion 388 is integrally formedwith the first end portion 338, the second end portion 340 and theintermediate portion 342 as a single unitary member, as shown in FIGS.20, 23 and 25.

The third intermediate portion 354 of the second outer link plate 322has an outer surface 354 a and an inner surface 354 b, as shown in FIGS.18, 19 and 25. The inner surface 354 b is opposite to the outer surface354 a in an axial direction that is parallel to the fifth center axisA5. The second axial protrusion 390 of the second outer link plate 322protrudes from the inner surface 354 b of the third intermediate portion354 in the axial direction. The second axial protrusion 390 is similarlydisposed on the third intermediate portion 354 with respect to thefourth longitudinal center line LC4 and to a tangent line tangent to thefifth and sixth openings 350 a and 350 b as the first protrusion 388 isdisposed on the first intermediate portion 342. Accordingly, the secondaxial protrusion 390 is offset from the fourth longitudinal centerlineLC4, as shown in FIG. 19.

The second axial protrusion 390 is similarly configured as the firstaxial protrusion, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 25. The second axialprotrusion 390 has a substantially planar axial end surface 394 a, asshown in FIG. 25. The axial end surface 394 a is offset from the innersurface 354 b in the axial direction. An upper surface 394 b is inclinedrelative to the axial end surface 394 a towards the fourth longitudinalcenterline LC4. Preferably, a lower surface 394 c and side surfaces areinclined relative to the axial end surface 394 a. The second axialprotrusion 390 is integrally formed with the fifth end portion 350, thesixth end portion 352 and the intermediate portion 354 as a singleunitary member, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 25.

The first and second axial protrusions 388 and 390 reduce the axialdistance between the inner surfaces 342 b and 354 b of the first andthird intermediate portions 342 and 354 of the first and second outerlink plates 318 and 322, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 25, therebyfacilitating holding the received sprocket tooth 382 (FIGS. 16 and 24)between the first and second outer link plates 318 and 322 of the outerlink 334. As shown in FIG. 24, the first axial protrusion 388 of thefirst intermediate portion 342 of the first outer link plate 318overlaps with a top edge of the tooth 382 (received between the adjacentouter link) when viewed in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 26, an outer link 434 in accordance with a fifthexemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similarto the outer link 334 of the third exemplary embodiment except for thedifferences described below. Similar parts are identified with similarreference numerals, except in the 400 series (i.e., 4xx). The fifthexemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to an outerlink 434 of a bicycle chain in which an axial protrusion is a separatemember from the first intermediate portion of the first outer linkplate.

The first axial protrusion 488 is a separate member from the firstintermediate portion 442 of the first outer link plate 418. As shown inFIG. 26, when the first axial protrusion 488 is formed as a separatemember, the first axial protrusion includes a non-metallic material.Alternatively, the first axial protrusion includes a metallic materialwhen the first axial protrusion is formed as a separate member. Thefirst axial protrusion 488 can be secured to the inner surface 442 b ofthe first intermediate portion in any suitable manner, such as bybonding, when the first axial protrusion 488 is formed as a separatemember. The second axial protrusion 490 is similarly configured as thefirst axial protrusion 488.

As shown in FIG. 27, an outer link 534 in accordance with a sixthexemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similarto the outer link 434 of the fifth exemplary embodiment except for thedifferences described below. Similar parts are identified with similarreference numerals, except in the 500 series (i.e., 5xx). The fifthexemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to an outerlink of a bicycle chain in which an axial protrusion is bonded to anouter link plate of the outer link.

A first bonding layer 596 bonds the first axial protrusion 588 to theinner surface 542 b of the first intermediate portion 542 of the firstouter link plate 518 of the outer link 534, as shown in FIG. 27. Thebonding layer 596 can be any suitable layer to secure the first axialprotrusion 588 to the inner surface 542 b of the first intermediateportion 542, such as an adhesive or a weld. A second bonding layer 598is substantially similarly configured as the first bonding layer 596 tosecure the second axial protrusion 590 to the inner surface 554 b of thethird intermediate portion 554 of the second outer link plate 522.

As shown in FIG. 28, an outer link 634 in accordance with a seventhexemplary embodiment of the present invention is substantially similarto the outer link 334 of the fourth exemplary embodiment except for thedifferences described below. Similar parts are identified with similarreference numerals, except in the 600 series (i.e., 6xx). The seventhexemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to an outerlink of a bicycle chain in which only one of the first and second outerlink plates has an axial protrusion.

The first outer link plate 618 of the outer link 634 is substantiallysimilarly configured as the first outer link plate 318 of the fourthexemplary embodiment. The axial protrusion 688 protrudes from the innersurface 642 b in the axial direction. The second outer link plate 622 issubstantially similar to the second outer link plate 322 of the fourthexemplary embodiment except that the second outer link plate 622 doesnot have an axial protrusion extending from the inner surface 654 b.Accordingly, the inner surface 654 b of the intermediate portion 654 ofthe second outer link plate 622 is free of an axial protrusionprotruding from the inner surface 654 b in the axial direction.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”,“non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”,“down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”,“vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of abicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the link platefor a bicycle chain. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilizedto describe the link plate for a bicycle chain should be interpretedrelative to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontalsurface and that is equipped with the link plate for a bicycle chain.The terms “left” and “right” are used to indicate the “right” whenreferencing from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle,and the “left” when referencing from the left side as viewed from therear of the bicycle.

Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”may be used herein to describe various components these componentsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a firstcomponent discussed above could be termed a second component and viceversa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Theterm “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompassesconfigurations in which an element is directly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element directly to the other element;configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the otherelement by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which inturn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which oneelement is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This definition also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms ofdegree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as usedherein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that theend result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise,the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components canbe changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do notsubstantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically statedotherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contactingeach other can have intermediate structures disposed between them solong as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function.The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versaunless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions ofone embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessaryfor all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the sametime. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or incombination with other features, also should be considered a separatedescription of further inventions by the applicant, including thestructural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus,the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the presentinvention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1. An inner link plate for a bicycle chain, the inner link plate havingan inner-link longitudinal centerline defining a longitudinal directionand comprising: a first inner-link end portion including a firstinner-link opening having a first inner-link center axis; a secondinner-link end portion including a second inner-link opening having asecond inner-link center axis parallel to the first inner-link centeraxis; and an inner-link intermediate portion interconnecting the firstinner-link end portion and the second inner-link end portion, theinner-link longitudinal centerline bisecting the inner link plate into afirst half and a second half, the first inner-link end portion having afirst extended edge portion extending away from the second inner-linkend portion in the longitudinal direction, a majority of the firstextended edge portion being disposed on one of the first half and thesecond half.
 2. The inner link plate according to claim 1, wherein thefirst extended edge portion is offset from the inner-link longitudinalcenterline.
 3. The inner link plate according to claim 1, wherein thefirst extended edge portion defines a projection that is at leastpartially spaced away from the inner-link longitudinal centerline. 4.The inner link plate according to claim 3, wherein the projection isintegrally formed with the first inner-link end portion, the secondinner-link end portion and the inner-link intermediate portion as asingle unitary member.
 5. The inner link plate according to claim 3,wherein the projection is a separate member from the first inner-linkend portion.
 6. The inner link plate according to claim 5, wherein theprojection includes a metallic material.
 7. The inner link plateaccording to claim 5, wherein the projection includes a non-metallicmaterial.
 8. The inner link plate according to claim 1, wherein amajority of the first extended edge portion is disposed mostly on oneside of a tangent line that is tangent to the first inner-link openingand the second inner-link opening and that is opposite to the other sideof the tangent line that is defined between the inner-link longitudinalcenterline and the tangent line.
 9. The inner link plate according toclaim 1, wherein the second inner-link end portion has a second extendededge portion extending away from the first inner-link end portion in thelongitudinal direction, a majority of the second extended edge portionbeing disposed on the one of the first half and the second half.
 10. Theinner link plate according to claim 9, wherein the first extended edgeportion defines a first projection that is spaced away from theinner-link longitudinal centerline, and the second extended edge portiondefines a second projection that is spaced away from the inner-linklongitudinal centerline.
 11. The inner link plate according to claim 10,wherein the first and second projections are integrally formed with thefirst inner-link end portion, the second inner-link end portion and theinner-link intermediate portion as a single unitary member.
 12. An outerlink plate for a bicycle chain, the outer link plate having anouter-link longitudinal centerline and comprising: a first outer-linkend portion including a first outer-link opening having a firstouter-link center axis; a second outer-link end portion including asecond outer-link opening having a second outer-link center axisparallel to the first outer-link center axis; and an outer-linkintermediate portion interconnecting the first outer-link end portionand the second outer-link end portion, the outer-link intermediateportion having an outer-link outer surface and an outer-link innersurface that is opposite to the outer-link outer surface in an axialdirection parallel to the first outer-link center axis, the outer-linkintermediate portion including an axial protrusion protruding from theouter-link inner surface in the axial direction, the axial protrusionbeing offset from the outer-link longitudinal centerline.
 13. The outerlink plate according to claim 12, wherein the axial protrusion is spacedaway from the outer-link longitudinal centerline.
 14. The outer linkplate according to claim 13, wherein the axial protrusion is integrallyformed with the first outer-link end portion, the second outer-link endportion and the outer-link intermediate portion as a single unitarymember.
 15. The outer link plate according to claim 12, wherein theaxial protrusion is a separate member from the outer-link intermediateportion.
 16. The outer link plate according to claim 15, wherein theaxial protrusion includes a metallic material.
 17. The outer link plateaccording to claim 15, wherein the axial protrusion includes anon-metallic material.
 18. The outer link plate according to claim 12,wherein a majority of the axial protrusion is disposed mostly on oneside of a tangent line that is tangent to the first outer-link openingand the second outer-link opening and that is opposite to the other sideof the tangent line that is defined between the outer-link longitudinalcenterline and the tangent line.
 19. The outer link plate according toclaim 12, wherein the axial protrusion includes an axial end surfacethat is offset from the outer-link inner surface in the axial direction,and an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the axial endsurface towards the outer-link longitudinal centerline.
 20. A bicyclechain link comprising: a primary inner link plate having a primaryinner-link longitudinal centerline defining a primary longitudinaldirection, the primary inner link plate comprising: a first inner-linkend portion including a first inner-link opening having a firstinner-link center axis; a second inner-link end portion including asecond inner-link opening having a second inner-link center axisparallel to the first inner-link center axis; and a primary inner-linkintermediate portion interconnecting the first inner-link end portionand the second inner-link end portion, the primary inner-linklongitudinal centerline bisecting the primary inner link plate into afirst half and a second half, the first inner-link end portion having afirst extended edge portion extending away from the second inner-linkend portion in the primary longitudinal direction, a majority of thefirst extended edge portion being disposed on one of the first half andthe second half; and a secondary inner link plate having a secondaryinner-link longitudinal centerline defining a secondary longitudinaldirection, the secondary inner link plate comprising: a third inner-linkend portion including a third inner-link opening having a thirdinner-link center axis; a fourth inner-link end portion including afourth inner-link opening having a fourth inner-link center axisparallel to the third inner-link center axis; and a secondary inner-linkintermediate portion interconnecting the third inner-link end portionand the fourth inner-link end portion.
 21. The bicycle chain linkaccording to claim 20, wherein the secondary inner-link longitudinalcenterline bisects the secondary inner link plate into a first half anda second half, the third inner-link end portion has a third extendededge portion extending away from the fourth inner-link end portion inthe secondary longitudinal direction, and a majority of the thirdextended edge portion is disposed on one of the first half and thesecond half of the secondary inner link plate.
 22. The bicycle chainlink according to claim 20, wherein the third inner-link end portion isfree of an extended edge portion extending away from the fourthinner-link end portion in the secondary longitudinal direction.
 23. Abicycle chain link comprising: a primary outer link plate having aprimary outer-link longitudinal centerline, the primary outer link platecomprising: a first outer-link end portion including a first outer-linkopening having a first outer-link center axis; a second outer-link endportion including a second outer-link opening having a second outer-linkcenter axis parallel to the first outer-link center axis; and a primaryouter-link intermediate portion interconnecting the first outer-link endportion and the second outer-link end portion, the primary outer-linkintermediate portion having a primary outer-link outer surface and aprimary outer-link inner surface that is opposite to the primaryouter-link outer surface in an axial direction parallel to the firstouter-link center axis, the primary outer-link intermediate portionincluding a primary axial protrusion protruding from the primaryouter-link inner surface in the axial direction, the primary axialprotrusion being offset from the primary outer-link longitudinalcenterline; and a secondary outer link plate having a secondaryouter-link longitudinal centerline, the secondary outer link platecomprising: a third outer-link end portion including a third outer-linkopening having a third outer-link center axis; a fourth outer-link endportion including a fourth outer-link opening having a fourth outer-linkcenter axis parallel to the third outer-link center axis; and asecondary outer-link intermediate portion interconnecting the thirdouter-link end portion and the fourth outer-link end portion, thesecondary outer-link intermediate portion having a secondary outer-linkouter surface and a secondary outer-link inner surface that is oppositeto the secondary outer-link outer surface in an axial direction parallelto the third outer-link center axis.
 24. The bicycle chain linkaccording to claim 23, wherein the secondary outer-link intermediateportion includes a secondary axial protrusion protruding from thesecondary outer-link inner surface in the axial direction, and thesecondary axial protrusion is offset from the secondary outer-linklongitudinal centerline.
 25. The bicycle chain link according to claim23, wherein the secondary outer-link intermediate portion is free of anaxial protrusion protruding from the secondary outer-link inner surfacein the axial direction.